At Rooster Valley Labradors, in an effort to expand our breeding program, but ensure that our breeding dogs get the maximum amount of interaction with their families, we have implemented our Guardian Home Program. For several years we tried to come up with a way to expand our breeding program, but had struggled with the idea of having too many dogs that would get too little of our time. We believe we have found a good solution that benefits not only us, but the family that may not be able to afford to purchase or want to pay the going rate for a healthy AKC Registered Labrador Retriever.

What does it mean to be a Guardian Family?

A Guardian Family is a family that receives a top quality breeding puppy to become a member of their family. At eight weeks of age, a top-quality puppy will be sent home to an approved Guardian Family. There is no charge for the puppy. In exchange, the family agrees to follow the conditions as written in our Guardian Home Contract while it is in our breeding program. When the dog is retired from breeding (after a maximum of four litters), the dog would be spayed/neutered and full AKC Registration and ownership is transferred to the Guardian Family. The dog remains with the Guardian Family to continue his/her life with them.

Some things required of a Guardian Family

• Live within reasonable driving distance to Modesto, California (transportation to and from Rooster Valley Labradors is the responsibility of the Guardian Family).

Rooster Valley Labradors reserves the right to four litters for each Guardian dog. Each dog is individually assessed after each litter. We plan on all of our Guardian dogs having at least one litter between the ages of fifteen months and three years of age, at the completion and passing of health testing (paid for by Rooster Valley Labradors), with a maximum of four litters or eight years of age. Rooster Valley Labradors will access the health of the dog and the puppies after the first litter to determine consecutive litters. After the fourth litter the Guardian Family and Rooster Valley Labradors will discuss the option of future litters based on the dogs health and the quality of the puppies produced in the previous litters. If the Guardian family chooses to allow Rooster Valley Labradors more than four breedings, the Guardian family will be compensated $150 per puppy in each litter, following the fourth litter.

Are all the Guardian Dogs given away Females?

Most of our Guardian dogs are females. On occasion we will place a male into a Guardian Family for stud use. The contract would be different than with a female. A male Guardian dog would be away from the family for shorter periods of time, but more often. A male Guardian dog would be kept in contract for a period of eight years and would need to be available for about a week at a time when needed. Your male would only mate with approved females chosen by Rooster Valley Labradors.

The choice of a Guardian Family is entirely the decision of Rooster Valley Labradors and will be determined after discussion and an interview. If you are interested in the possibility of becoming a Guardian Family, we encourage you to read over our Guardian Family Contract and email or call.